RANITIDINE BISMUTH CITRATE

Ranitidine bismuth citrate dissociates in the stomach and releases ranitidine and bismuth. It provides a unique combination of properties including inhibition of secretion of gastric acid by competitive antagonism of the action of histamine at the histamine H2-receptor on the gastric parietal cell, mucosal protective effects and anti-H. pylori action.

Uses

Ranitidine bismuth citrate is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as in the eradication of H. pylori associated with peptic ulcer disease.

Warnings

Do not give Ranitidine bismuth citrate in moderate to severe renal impairment.

Patients with diabetes or hypertension need to be warned about a few drug interactions. Certain medications should be avoided in pregnant or lactating women. A few drugs should be avoided by patient with hepatitis or cardiac diseases.

Side Effects

Ranitidine bismuth citrate may bring about side effects such as the following:

Blackening of tongue and stools
Gastrointestinal upset
Headache
Mild anaemia
Bradycardia
Altered liver enzymes

Rarely, hypersensitivity, confusion, hepatitis, pancreatitis, blood dyscrasias, musculoskeletal disorders, male breast symptoms may occur.

Precautions

Precautions:

Exclude malignancy prior to therapy. Take precautions in patients with kidney impairment, in the elderly, children and in pregnant and lactating women.

Interactions:

Ranitidine bismuth citrate may interact with the following medicines:

Atazanavir
Dasatinib
Delavirdine
Certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole)
Pazopanib
Other H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine)

Overdose & Brands

In an overdose, it may cause mild drowsiness. Some children may also have short-term nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe or life-threatening symptoms are very rare.

Available Brands:

Deprizine, Taladine, Tritec, Wal-Zan, and Zantac